Disability Awareness & Inclusion

The City of Valparaiso strives to be a welcoming city where diversity is appreciated and viewed as a strength. The Advisory Human Relations Council was established in 2011 to advance this vision, to advise the mayor on human relations in the city and to suggest opportunities that promote a better understanding of diversity and inclusion in our community.

With this goal, the Disability Awareness and Inclusion Subcommittee was created in 2022. The mission of the Subcommittee is to advance disability awareness, education and inclusion in Valparaiso.

Disability Awareness & Inclusion Subcommittee Members: Ellen DeMartinis, Jerome Ezell, John Gildein, Donelle Henderlong, Laurie Mullet, Patrick Lyp, Katrina Spence-Smock

View Mayor Murphy's proclamation for March Disability Awareness Month.

Ally Toolkit

The City of Valparaiso's recognition of March Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity to spread awareness and educate our community on disability awareness and inclusion. The Ally Toolkit was created to help us think more carefully about the language we use, the interactions we have, opportunities to advocate and considerations for organizing more accessible events and activities.

View the Ally Toolkit. Be an Ally!

2023 Disability Awareness Month Calendar of Events

March 21 - Disability Awareness Spotlight featuring Jason Benetti

Come hear Jason Benetti and his important message on “not judging a book by its cover" and overcoming adversity. Benetti is a nationally recognized sports play-by-play announcer for Fox and the Chicago White Sox. Benetti has cerebral palsy, which impacts his balance and ability to walk, but not his on-air work. This is a free community event supported by NIPSCO and community sponsors.

The Disability Awareness Spotlight presentation will take place at the Valparaiso Ivy Tech Auditorium at 6:00 pm. Visit community organizations and service providers at informational tables in the lobby before the presentation beginning at 5:00 pm. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, contact info@valpo.us.

February 27 - Presentation to the Rotary Club of Valparaiso*

featuring Walter Lenckos of Opportunity Enterprises. *Membership event - contact kkrouse@heinzetrust.org to attend as a guest.

March 1 - 31 - Porter County Public Library System's (PCPLS) Book Club Recommendations

The "Valparaiso Book Club" pick for March is Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig. Visit any PCPLS branch or access their online catalog to request a copy of this book. Join us at either of Valpo Library's Book Club events this month to discuss the book: March 7, 6-7 pm or March 14, 11 am - 12 pm. Learn more.

The "Valparaiso Parent/Child Book Club" pick for March is Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly. Visit any PCPLS branch or access their online catalog to put a copy of this book on hold. Join us at Valpo Library's Parent/Child Book Club event on: March 28, 6 - 7 pm. Learn more.

March 1 - Paws to Read: Caleb the Comfort Dog

PCPLS partners with LLC K-9 Comfort Dog to present monthly comfort dog visits at the Valparaiso Library. Stop by the Youth Services Department at the Valparaiso Library between 4-5 pm the first Wednesday of the month, and visit Caleb the Comfort Dog. Caleb is a trained and certified LLC K-9 Comfort Dog. Find more details on PCPLS' online events calendar.

March 8 - Presentation to Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis*

featuring Ben Polhemus of Kyle's Legacy. *Membership event - contact jsbowker1956@gmail.com to attend as a guest.

March 11 & 12 - Camp Lakeside Weekend Explorers Camp*

Join us for an exciting weekend of Camp Lakeside! Saturday & Sunday 9 am-3 pm. We will have a busy schedule of archery, art, STEM, music, games, nature activities and more. Each month hosts all new activities in each of these areas. Camp Lakeside is a division of Opportunity Enterprises that works to maximize self-sufficiency and enrich the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. *Camp registration required to participate. Learn more.

March 16 - Valpo Chamber Luncheon on Disability Employment*

featuring Neil Samahon, President/CEO of Opportunity Enterprises. He will be leading a panel of employers discussing disability employment. *This is a ticketed event ($25). Please register in advance with the Valpo Chamber.

March 21 - World Down Syndrome Day Pizza Special

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. To recognize and raise awareness, Domino's Pizza in Valparaiso and Northwest Indiana has a $3.21 pizza special that day. Learn more about the promotion and the opportunity to meet AJ.

March 25 & 26 - Camp Lakeside Weekend Discoveries Camp*

March 30 - Teacher of Patience Film Screening at Valparaiso University

Over 20 years after Emily Felter is diagnosed with Down syndrome, paramedic (and Emily's father) Tom develops a presentation to share her story with other first responders. As the Felters work to raise disability awareness, they come face-to-face with the struggles and joys of their daily lives. This 30-minute, locally-filmed documentary was created by Valparaiso alumnus, Carmen Vincent.

Doors open at 5:30 pm, screening at 6:00 pm followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. Located at Valparaiso University's Christopher Center Library. Learn more about this free event.

Additional Resources and Information

View the Downtown Public Parking Accessibility Guide.

Do you know an organization or resource that should be included in a Valparaiso Disability Resource Directory? Please fill out the following form and your submission will be reviewed by the Disability Awareness and Inclusion Subcommittee to be included in a future online disability resource directory.

Do you have ideas or suggestions for the Disability Awareness and Inclusion Subcommittee? Let us know!

Contact us to learn more about the Disability Awareness and Inclusion Subcommittee and its Disability Awareness Month activities: Maggie Clifton, Community Engagement Director, mclifton@valpo.us or 219-462-1161.